Gary Almes wrote:
> I think e-commerce has so many potential meanings and implications that you
> have to define it on a case by case basis. Simply put, it's probably safe
> to say that e-commerce is any internet-driven operation involving the
> transfer of funds in exchange for goods and/or services.
That's the definition that I use.
> I think e-commerce for the small business typically means setting up an
> SSL-encrypted shopping cart system to take, but not authorize, credit card
> orders via the web. The cost is probably under $10,000, but depends on the
> complexity of design, number of products, shopping cart features, server
> configuration and much more. This assumes that a hosting system is already
> in place.
Actually there is even a lower level of e-commerce and I use it on some of our
client sites. If you only have a few things to sell, or if you are selling
subscriptions requiring a lot of info, then having a form that handles those
specific needs is all that's required and a shopping cart doesn't make sense.
I've seen carts from free to $80,000 and everything in between. For most of my
clients who need shopping carts, the $500-1000 range is about what we look
for. As you pointed out however, amazon.com would need more than a $500
shopping cart <g>
When we quote on an ecommerce application, we first determine what they need,
and then suggest the best options for them. Most do not need online
verification either.
--
Making the Web Work for You (tm)
Susan Duncan ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Voice: (613) 744-3283
Director, Internet Development Fax: (613) 744-1825
http://www.malico.com Toll Free: (877) WEB-PROS
http://www.OttawaWEB.COM
MALICO - Graphic Design and Internet Development
Founders: Ottawa-Hull Chapter-Int'l Webmasters Association
____________________________________________________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Join The Web Consultants Association : Register on our web site Now
Web Consultants Web Site : http://just4u.com/webconsultants
If you lose the instructions All subscription/unsubscribing can be done
directly from our website for all our lists.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
